Richard D. Wakeman

Richard Wakeman, 62 of Rio, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital.  He passed doing what he loved, he completed 2.1 miles of a 5K charity walk in Sun Prairie.

Richard was born August 21, 1956 in Madison, WI, the son of Donald and Delores (Erdman) Wakeman.  He graduated from Rio High School in 1974.  He worked at Milbrew in Juneau after graduation.  He also worked for Dan and Wendt Lime Works and the Fall River Foundry. He retired from Walgreens Distribution in 2017. 

He enjoyed helping others.  He was a Red Cross blood donor and had become a member of the 10 plus gallon club.  He was an organ donor.  He did many charity walks and had already signed up for 25 walks in 2019.  He went to many concerts.  And he was known for putting out reserved chairs at the Dodge County Fair for his many friends.  He attended other country and rock concerts.  He played softball for many years in Rio.  He was very active in Rio High School sports.  He was an assistant coach for girl’s basketball and softball.

Survivors include his brothers, Alan (Kristy) and Russell (Elizabeth) of Rio; nephews Jason (Amanda), Craig (Tammy), Joshua (Marya), Ryan and Eric Wakeman, Mitch (Kelci) Reuter and Daniel (Megan) Dembek; niece Shelby (Dylan Schmidt) Wakeman; great-nieces Ava Wakeman, McKenzie and Kailyn Dembek; and great-nephews Eli, Hudson and Keagan Wakeman; Aunt Doris Guenther; Uncle Robert and Aunt MaryAnn Hatzinger; many cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 29 at 11 AM at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio with Rev. Tim Gumm officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28 from 3 to 7 PM at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio and again from 10 AM until the time of services Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s memory will be given to a charity of the family’s choice. 

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